MANCHESTER needs to aim high as rundown parts of the city centre are brought back to life.

Quality skyscrapers could play a major part in regeneration schemes, councillors have been told, but Lib Dem councillor Marc Ramsbottom urged care must be taken as the city plans ahead.

''We need a programme but it should be done in a strategic way rather than piece by piece additions.

''And care has to be taken that new buildings do not obscure important ones like the town hall.''

Planning boss Peter Babb said good quality tall buildings were needed. ''At present we haven't got many of those,'' he added.

The call came as the Development Control Committee approved a scheme for shops, restaurants, leisure facilities and 200 single, two-bedroom and penthouse apartments, on land bounded by the River Medlock, Owens Street, Knott Mill and Deansgate.

The new homes, in a 13 storey block are the first phase of a scheme by London-based Holdmark.